They're loathed by environmentalists, detested by cyclists and just plain irritating to those stuck behind them.

But the drivers of gas guzzling 4x4s do have positive attributes - they are less likely to be involved in accidents than any other type of motorist.

On the downside, according to a study, when they do get in a crash the injuries they inflict are more serious.

The statistics will come as a blow to Gas guzzlers: Their owners appear to be safer motorists those who have campaigned to have Sports Utility Vehicles banished from the roads.

Scroll down for more...

Previous studies have suggested the so- called Chelsea Tractors cause more accidents because their drivers feel protected and are therefore more likely to take risks.

The report by the Transport Research Laboratory was commissioned by Transport for London which is introducing punitive charges of £25 a day for 4x4s to enter central London. To its embarrassment, it found the collision rate for SUVs was 30 per cent lower than that for other cars.

Nigel Wonnacott, of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: "Drivers in a 4x4 are higher up and react to hazards further down the road because they see them sooner. Around 70 per cent of them have active safety systems compared to up to 40 per cent of cars."

Kevin Delaney, head of road safety at the Institute of Advanced Motoring, added: "One reason people buy sports utility vehicles is they think they will be safer. They are looking for a safe journey for themselves and their families and drive accordingly."

A Transport for London spokesman, however, highlighted that the study showed pedestrians, in particular children, motorcyclists and occupants of small cars were significantly more likely to be killed or seriously injured when in a crash with a large SUV.

The report found that for those hit by a big 4x4 there was a 26 per cent chance of injuries, compared with a 22 per cent chance when hit by a smaller SUV. When hit by an ordinary car, the rate of injury was 21 per cent.

A study by the AA recently revealed that most motorists bought 4x4s because of their size and safety - rather than their offroad abilities.

In fact, only 42 per cent of owners ever admit to taking them off a road into a muddy track or field.

The demand for 4x4s has been falling across Britain in recent years - with the ironic exception of London.

The backlash against Chelsea Tractors has played a part - as has the soaring price of diesel and petrol.

Campaigners claim the vehicles are involved in a quarter more accidents than smaller family cars.